Installation and User Guide Airgo Access Point Airgo Networks, Inc. 900 Arastradero Road Palo Alto, CA 94304 http://www.airgonetworks.
Copyright © 2004 by Airgo Networks, Inc., Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Airgo Networks unless such copying is expressly permitted by U.S. copyright law.
Contents Preface 1 --------------------------------------------------------------x Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Product Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Product Suite - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Features Overview - - - -
Power and Cabling Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Network Information Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Installing the Access Point - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Using Power Over Ethernet - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Placement and Or
Managing Client Stations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 91 Stations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 92 Link Statistics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93 Security Statistics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Radio Bands and Backhaul Hops - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wireless Backhaul Trunks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wireless Backhaul Security - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Non-Wired or “Pseudo-Wired” Backhaul Configurations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Setting Up a Wireless Backhaul - - - -
Guest Access Services Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 174 Guest Access Security - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 176 9 Managing the Network - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 179 Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Secure Backup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Configuration Reports - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Reset Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - TFTP Backup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Upgrad
Wireless: Frequency changed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wireless: STA association failed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wireless: STA associated - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wireless: STA disassociated - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wireless:
Preface This guide explains how to install and configure the Airgo Access Point (Airgo AP), which is used with Wi-Fi certified clients to provide PC laptop and desktop users with wireless network access.
Preface • Chapter 9, “Managing the Network,” explains how to use the NM Portal features of the Airgo Access Point to manage multiple APs across your network. • Chapter 10, “Maintaining the Access Point,” describes the tools available to maintain the Airgo Access Point. • Appendix A, “Using the Command Line Interface,” describes how to use the console and command line interface (CLI) to configure the Airgo Access Point, with cross-references to the Airgo Command Line Interface Reference Manual.
Preface Related Documentation The following documentation related to the Airgo Networks wireless networking product line is available on CD-ROM: • Airgo Networks Client Installation and User Guide — Explains how to install and configure the Airgo Networks Wireless LAN Client Adapter, which provides PC laptop and desktop users with access to the Airgo Networks Access Point products.
Preface xiii Installation and User Guide: Airgo Access Point
1 Overview This chapter introduces the features and capabilities of the Airgo Access Point and presents the following topics: • • • • • • • • • Product Overview Features Overview Standards and Data Rates Radio Resource Management Mobility Management Portal Architecture Security Integration with the Existing Wired Network Management Interface Options Product Overview The Airgo Access Point is part of an innovative suite of wireless technology products designed to dramatically improve the quality and conv
1 Overview Airgo Networks NMS Pro NMS Pro provides enterprise-class management for the wireless network, including complete configuration and image control, security, and performance and fault monitoring. For more information, refer to the NMS Pro Installation and Configuration Guide. Figure 1 shows how Airgo Networks products operate in concert to create a wireless network.
Features Overview • Security - Financial Grade Security • Four-layers of security: AP security, Admin User Security, Wireless User Security, and Guest User security support — AP Security with a built-in unique X.509 AP certificate for constructing a secure wireless network. — Admin User Security with management access through SSH, HTTPs and SNMPv3. — Wireless User Security supports IEEE 802.
1 Overview Radio Resource Management The Airgo AP supports management of radio channels, cell size, and range. Channel management features include automatic channel selection, support for international channel sets, dynamic channel changes in response to network conditions, and the ability to assign channels manually to fine tune channel quality. Cell size and range capabilities enable you to optimize equipment placement, eliminate dead spots, and reduce interference.
Features Overview Figure 2: Portal Services Enrollment Portal: NM Portal: Manage and Monitor the Network Verify AP Identity Other APs Security Portal: Authenticate Clients A0028B Regardless of network size, configuring one or more Airgo APs as NM Portals yields the following benefits: • Even with as few as two APs in a network, NM Portal offers a single point of focus for monitoring the network and managing security.
1 Overview • • • • • SNMP management interface through SNMPv3 IEEE 802.11i standards User-authentication using EAP-TLS, EAP-PEAP, WPA-PSK, WEP Rogue AP detection Rogue client detection VLANs By decoupling traffic flow and network services from the physical network topology, virtual LANs (VLANs) enable enterprises to improve network traffic flow, increase load, and deliver varying levels of service and access to different groups of users.
Standards and Data Rates Multiple SSIDs The Airgo AP supports multiple SSIDs within each individual AP. Using the multiple SSID feature, users can access separate networks through a single physical infrastructure. For example, if you want to create different levels of resource access for employees and visitors, you can create two SSIDs, one with high security and one with open security. Guest Access The Airgo AP supports flexible, secure management of guest access at corporate and hot spot locations.
1 Overview Table 2: Supported Wireless Networking Standards Standard Area Status WPA Security Standard Standard Wi-Fi Alliance Wireless Interoperability Certification The 802.11 standard specifies the following data rates: • 802.11b: DSSS (1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps) • 802.11a: OFDM (6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps) • 802.11g: OFDM (6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps) Airgo Networks also offers enhanced, True MIMO™ data rates of 72, 96, and 108 Mbps for enhanced performance.
2 Planning Your Installation This chapter provides guidelines on planning a wireless network. It includes example network configurations and explains how to plan for coverage, capacity, security, and network management.
2 Planning Your Installation Figure 3: Typical Wireless Network Enterprise Boundry NMS RADIUS WAN Router with Firewall Internet Corporate Network 10/100 Ethernet Network Operations Center LAN Switch/Router AP with 2 Radios AP with 1 Radio 802.11a 802.11g/b AP with 1 Radio 802.11a (or 802.11g/b) 802.11g/b (or 802.
Assessing Security Needs and Architecture Figure 4: Airgo AP Coverage Compared with Other Access Points 108 Mbps Coverage Data Rate 54 Mbps Legacy Coverage Access Point Location Typical Wireless Coverage Legacy Wireless Coverage A0020A Site Surveys Site surveys are used to measure the wireless characteristics of the physical environment and thereby determine cost-efficient placement of equipment in the network.
2 Planning Your Installation • Data encryption — Specifying the method of security for wireless data communications between client stations and the AP. • Authentication — Specifying the method to verify the identity of users who want to access the wireless network, and assign access restrictions and services to them. Enrollment Enrollment is the process of verifying the identity of APs and confirming that they are authorized to be a legitimate part of the wireless network.
Assessing Security Needs and Architecture • For small and mid-sized networks, configure one of the APs on the network as a portal AP to provide NM Portal, security portal, and enrollment services, and designate another AP as a backup for the security portal. • For large offices and campuses, enterprise-wide control and advanced network management features become essential to reliable network operations.
2 Planning Your Installation Planning Network Features The Airgo AP offers an extensive set of configuration parameters and network service features. Automated and default options are available for most of these, making it necessary to configure only a few of the AP parameters to set up a basic network. As needs change, additional features can be configured to support new network services.
Planning Network Features Feature Planning Issues VLAN VLANs permit the network to be segmented according to functional needs without the restrictions of the physical topology. • If your enterprise uses multiple VLANS, they can be supported in the wireless network. • Multiple VLANs are required for guest access. SSID Decide whether one or multiple SSIDs will be supported.
2 Planning Your Installation Sample Deployment Scenarios This section describes sample feature decisions for companies as a function of network size, management structure, and network services. Example 1: Small office, single AP, possible future growth Acme Works begins as a small company with 20 users. The office is at a single location served by one access point connected to the wired backbone. The elements of the network are shown in Figure 5.
Sample Deployment Scenarios The following table lists the tasks required for configuration and provides pointers to the detailed instructions in this guide. Table 3: Example 1 Configuration Tasks Task Process Bring up the first (or only) Airgo AP 1 Make sure a DHCP server is available on the network, and create a DHCP reservation for the MAC address of this AP. 2 Have the information sheet that was shipped with the AP available. 3 Bootstrap the AP as an NM Portal.
2 Planning Your Installation Example 2: Small to mid-size business with wireless backhaul Acme Works has now grown to 70 users. The site is the same as in Example 1; however Acme wants to provide coverage to a temporary building that has no wired connection. An additional AP is added to provide user access by way of wireless backhaul (Figure 7). Figure 7: Example 2 Network 10/100 Switched Ethernet SSID="Corp" SSID="Corp" A0042E Figure 8 summarizes the feature decisions for this example.
Sample Deployment Scenarios Table 4: Example 2 Configuration Tasks Task Explanation Enroll APs 1 Connect the additional AP to the wired network. 2 Enroll the AP to support wireless backhaul Reference: “Enrolling APs” on page 181 Distribute policies to other APs 1 Generate the default policy based on the configuration of the NM Portal AP. 2 Distribute the policy to the other AP(s) in the network.
2 Planning Your Installation Example 3: Mid-size business, multiple SSIDs, multiple VLANs Now a successful business, the management at Acme Works wants to position the company for continued growth. Management decides to deploy an external RADIUS server to manage user authentication centrally for the entire company.
Sample Deployment Scenarios Figure 10: Example 3 Feature Decisions Physical Network One AP Multiple APs Network Management NM Portal NMS PRO User Authentication Built-In Security Portal External RADIUS Server Security Modes WPA (default) WEP VLAN Default VLAN Multiple VLANs SSID Single SSID (default) Multiple SSIDs Default COS Mappings Custom COS Mappings Service Profile Default Service Profile Custom Service Profiles Guest Access Disabled (default) Enabled Quality of Service (C
2 Planning Your Installation Example 4: Large business, guest access, extended network services Acme Works is now a widely known and successful enterprise. With an ever increasing number of visitors requiring network access, the network administrator decides to implement a corporate guest access solution. A guest VLAN and service profile are created and bound to the Corporate SSID, and a guest password is created.
Sample Deployment Scenarios Figure 12: Example 4 Feature Decisions Physical Network One AP Multiple APs Network Management NM Portal NMS PRO User Authentication Built-In Security Portal External RADIUS Server Security Modes WPA (default) WEP VLAN Default VLAN Multiple VLANs SSID Single SSID (default) Multiple SSIDs Quality of Service Default COS Mappings Custom COS Mappings Service Profile Default Service Profile Custom Service Profiles Guest Access Disabled (default) Enabled (
2 Planning Your Installation Example 5: Large Campus with Branch Offices This example shows how a company can incorporate centralized network management to control a large campus with branch offices. The company has planned its network to include the NMS Pro Network Management System. This solution will provide network administrators with extensive control and oversight, centralized monitoring, and fault management.
Sample Deployment Scenarios Figure 14: Example 5 Feature Decisions Physical Network One AP Multiple APs Network Management NM Portal NMS PRO User Authentication Built-In Security Portal External RADIUS Server Security Modes WPA (default) WEP VLAN Default VLAN Multiple VLANs SSID Single SSID (default) Multiple SSIDs Quality of Service Default COS Mappings Custom COS Mappings Service Profile Default Service Profile Custom Service Profiles Guest Access Disabled (default) Enabled (
2 Planning Your Installation 26 Installation and User Guide: Airgo Access Point
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces This chapter explains how to install and quickly configure the Airgo Access Point and provides instructions for accessing the web and command line interfaces.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces metallic structures such as equipment racks, steel bookcases, or filing cabinets, and locations not crowded by computer enclosures. If using an external antenna with the AP (optional), try to place the unit as high as possible, where it is free of obstruction. Install the AP away from sources of RF interference, such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, electric motors, and similar appliances.
Installing the Access Point Figure 15: Airgo AP Connections Reset Default 10/100BaseT Ethernet port Console port DC power A0003B Using Power Over Ethernet Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), based on the 802.3af standard, can be used to supply power to the Airgo AP. If both DC power and PoE are used at the same time, then failover takes place automatically in the event that one of the power sources is lost. For failover, the following rules apply: • The AP uses the power source with the highest voltage.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces Figure 16: Airgo AP Placement Reset LEDs Default 10/100BaseT Ethernet port Console port Power connector A0002B Verifying the Installation To verify the Airgo Access Point is operational, examine the front of the AP. • Is the status LED red or green? If not, check the power connections and whether the AC outlet has power.
Installing the Access Point Table 8: LED Definitions LED Description WLAN1 Blinks green for activity. AP STAT Two AP status LEDs indicate the AP status. When the AP is reset or powered on, the bottom LED turns red and then the top LED blinks green. Once the AP successfully boots up, the top LED turns green and stays green. When the AP is reset to defaults, the LEDs light up in the same sequence as described above.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces Reset the configuration of the AP to the factory default in any of the following ways: Method Description Web browser interface Use the Configuration Management panel under System Configuration. See “Reset Configuration” on page 249.
Using the Configuration Interfaces Item (continued) Description Security Mode The default security mode for the AP is WPA-PSK authentication with AES encryption. Radio Configuration The default global configuration for radio settings is “US, Indoor,” which allows operation in all twelve IEEE 802.11a channels. “US, Any” permits operation only in the middle and upper UNII bands (8 channels) for IEEE 802.11a (5GHz) operation.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces factory default password is shipped with the AP on a paper insert. Use the password from the insert to log in. 4 The system response at this point depends upon whether the AP has already been initialized. a If the AP has been initialized, the Home feature panel opens. See “The Home Panel” on page 40. b If the AP has not been initialized, the QuickStart Welcome panel opens.
Using AP Quick Start to Initialize the Access Point • Monitoring of Airgo Networks network for faults, configuration alerts, performance, and security (FCAPS) • Upgrade of the Airgo AP network with new software images Initializing a Normal AP 1 Click Bootstrap Normal AP from the Quick Start Welcome panel to open the first initialization panel (Figure 19). NOTE: Click Logout if it is necessary to leave the Quick Start panels. If you log out prior to completing the setup process, the settings are not saved.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces Field Description IP Address/Maskbits Static IP address and subnet prefix for the AP. Required if the IP address is not obtained automatically. The default is 192.168.1.254/24. NOTE: It is required that each NM Portal have a static IP address. Default Gateway IP address of the gateway to the wired network. Required for complete network access, if the IP address is not obtained automatically. The default is the existing network gateway.
Using AP Quick Start to Initialize the Access Point Field Description Network Density Indicates the proximity of APs to each other. For closely spaced APs that can support high data rates, select the high density option. For maximum coverage at lower data rates, select the low density option. The default setting is Low. Bootstrap Security Mode WPA-PSK, WEP-64, WEP-128, or Open security option. The option determines the security mode for the AP.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces Field Description Configure Channel Select Auto-Select Channel or Assign Fixed Channel options. In both of these cases, the channel set used for auto-scanning can also be restricted. • Auto-Select: Select at-startup to automatically determine the channel when the AP is booted, or periodic to auto-select the channel at the specified number of minutes. • Assign Fixed Channel: Select a static channel.
Navigating the Web Interface Figure 22: Portal QuickStart panel 7 Enter the following information consistent with your corporate standards: Field Description Admin Password Enter and confirm the password used to manage this AP and other enrolled APs. The password must be between 8 and 32 characters and is used for local administrator login and SNMP v3 login.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces Figure 23: Menu Tree The lower left alarm panel (Figure 24) lists the number of current alarms.To update the alarm summary, click the browser refresh button. Figure 24: Alarm Area When you select an item from the menu tree, the information is displayed in the Detail panel, which takes up most of the browser window (shown for the Home panel in Figure 25).
Navigating the Web Interface • Version Summary—Opens a detailed list of model and serial numbers and hardware and software versions (see “Version Table” on page 47). • Wireless Summary links—Opens panels to configure SSID, client stations, radios, and encryption. • Management Summary—Shows current network management address settings.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces Quick Start Panels Use the AP Quick Start menu items to open the Bootstrap Configuration and Version panels. Each of the tabs in the Bootstrap Configuration panel corresponds to one of the screens used to initialize an AP in AP Quick Start. IP Config Tab The IP Config tab opens when you choose Bootstrap Configuration from the AP Quick Start menu (Figure 26). Use this tab to configure the management Address of the AP.
Navigating the Web Interface Field Description DNS IP Address Enter the IP address of the server or servers supplying DNS service. This is required if the IP address is not obtained automatically. The default is the DNS server for the existing network. Multiple DNS server addresses may be specified, space-separated. The AP will use the addresses in the order specified. Manually configured DNS addresses always take precedence over the DNS addresses returned by a DHCP server.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces Figure 27: AP Quick Start - Bootstrap Configuration - Radio Config This tab contains the following settings: Field Description Radio Admin State Select each AP radio (wlan0 or wlan1) to enable or disable. Network Connectivity Indicate whether the radio will be used in a normal AP connected to the wired network (Wired-Only), for wireless backhaul (Wireless-Only), or may be used for either (Any).
Navigating the Web Interface Clock Config Tab Use the Clock Config tab (Figure 28) to set time parameters for the bootstrap configuration. Figure 28: AP Quick Start - Bootstrap Configuration - Clock Config This tab contains the following settings: Field Description Date Current date in MM/DD/YYYY format Time Current time in HH:MM:SS format (hours 0-23) Time Zone US-zone or GMT option. For US zone, click the radio button and select a time zone.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces Portal Config Tab Use the Portal Config tab (Figure 29) to enable portal services on this AP. See “Portal Architecture” on page 4 for a description of the portal services. Figure 29: AP Quick Start - Bootstrap Configuration - Portal Config Admin Email Tab If the AP is configured as a portal AP, use the Admin Email tab (Figure 30) to specify how to alert the network administrator regarding critical faults or security breaches.
Configuration Wizards Version Table The Version Table panel (Figure 31) lists model number, serial number, and hardware and software version information. Figure 31: AP Quick Start - Version Table Other Panels The other panels accessible from the menu tree contain detailed information and fields to set the AP configuration. Most of the panels have multiple tabs, and some have special entry panels.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces security panels in the AP web browser interface. For detailed information on security options, see Chapter 7, “Managing Security.” To open the User Security Wizard: Click User Security Wizard under AP Quick Start on the menu tree. The wizard opens (Figure 32). Figure 32: User Security Wizard The wizard presents several options for configuring user security. For additional information about these options, see Chapter 7, “Managing Security.
Configuration Wizards Figure 33: User Security Wizard - WPA-EAP 3 Confirm the SSID (wireless network name). 4 Select whether to use the internal RADIUS server included in the AP or an external RADIUS server. 5 Click Finish.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces To configure WPA-PSK: 1 In the User Security Wizard, select Using WPA-PSK. 2 Click Next to open the next User Security Wizard panel (Figure 34). Figure 34: User Security Wizard - WPA-PSK 3 Enter the pre-shared key to use for network authentication and confirm your entry. 4 Click Finish.
Configuration Wizards To configure WEP: 1 Select Using WEP, and click Next to open the next User Security Wizard panel (Figure 35). Figure 35: User Security Wizard - WEP 2 Select the WEP key length. 3 Enter up to four WEP keys and indicate which will be the default. 4 Click Finish.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces To configure open access: 1 Select Open Access and click Next to open the next User Security Wizard panel (Figure 36). Figure 36: User Security Wizard - Open Access 2 Confirm that you want to configure the AP without user security. 3 Click Finish.
Configuration Wizards Guest Access Wizard The Guest Access Wizard enables you to configure the network to give guest users limited access while protecting the network from unauthorized use. For a complete description of guest access rules and options, see Chapter 8, “Configuring Guest Access.” To open the Guest Access Wizard: • Click Guest Access Wizard under AP Quick Start on the menu tree.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces To use an internal landing page: 1 In the Guest Access wizard, select Internal. 2 Click Next to open the next wizard panel. 3 Enter and confirm a guest password (Figure 38). The password must be from one to 63 characters in length and may be manually distributed to guests who visit your corporate facility.
Configuration Wizards 6 Select the top checkbox if you want to set up guest access without using VLANs. To set up guest access with VLANs, select an existing VLAN in which to place authenticated guest users or create a new VLAN by entering a numeric VLAN ID and VLAN name (Figure 39). The list of existing VLANS includes only those that support open access. Figure 39: Guest Access Wizard - VLAN Entry 7 Click Finish. Guest access is now configured.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces To use an external landing page: 1 In the Guest Access wizard, select External. 2 Click Next to open the next wizard panel. Figure 40: Guest Access Wizard - External Landing Page http://192.168.22.22/Acme_GuestLoginPa 3 Enter the full URL for the external landing page (Figure 39). The URL for the landing page must use an IP address rather than a domain name.
Configuration Wizards NOTE: To successfully authenticate guest users using an external landing page, the external web server must be configured to accept the guest authentication requests and to respond with a URL with the correct syntax. For additional information, see Appendix C, “External Landing Page API.
3 Installing the Access Point Using the Configuration Interfaces 58 Installation and User Guide: Airgo Access Point
4 Configuring Radio Settings This chapter describes the configuration settings for the Airgo Access Point radios and explains how to set the configuration using the Airgo AP web interface. It covers all the features accessible from the Wireless Services menu except backhaul configuration, which is discussed in Chapter 6.
4 Configuring Radio Settings Figure 41: AP Radios and Coverage Wired Network AP1 (Wired AP) AP2 (Backhaul Point) AP1 Cell AP2 Cell A0019A Use the Wireless Services items on the menu tree to access wireless parameters. The following rules apply to the wireless settings: • Some of the settings apply globally (for both radios); others apply on a per-radio basis. • For configuration and reference purposes, the individual radios are labeled wlan0 and wlan1. The wired Ethernet interface is labeled eth0.
Configuring Radio Parameters • Channel Configuration — Configure channel usage for each radio. • Performance and QoS — Configure enhanced data rates, performance attributes, and Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) quality of service support. • Admission — Specify categories of client stations permitted to associate to the selected radio. To configure settings on these tabs, select each in sequence, or step through using the Go links at the bottom of the panel (shown in Figure 42).
4 Configuring Radio Settings Set the following global parameters on this tab: Field Description Network Connectivity Specify the mode of connectivity to the wired network. • The default value of Any means that the AP auto-determines whether to initiate a backhaul based on the presence or absence of an active Ethernet link. The Any setting is influenced by the number of radios in the Airgo AP and whether the AP has active Ethernet connectivity.
Configuring Radio Parameters Field (continued) Description World Mode Deployment Environment Specify the type of environment in which the AP is installed (indoor, outdoor, or both). Choosing the environment and country influences the channels of operation that the AP or BP operate in or use for scanning and the maximum radio transmit power. If the country or environment is changed, the following occur: • The channel selection setting is reset to auto-select channel at startup.
4 Configuring Radio Settings Table 9:World Modes (continued) Country Environment Band Valid Channel Numbers Argentina Outdoor 5 52,56,60,64,149,153,157,161 Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Any Indoor Outdoor Any Indoor Outdoor 2.4 2.4 2.4 5 5 5 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 149,153,157,161 149,153,157,161 149,153,157,161 Countries listed under the heading Europe include major European countries not explicitly listed by name in this table.
Configuring Radio Parameters Table 9:World Modes (continued) Country Environment Band Valid Channel Numbers Spain Indoor 5 Spain Outdoor 5 36,40,44,48,52,56,60,64,100,104,108,112,116,120,124,128,13 2,126,140 100,104,108,112,116,120,124,128,132,126,140 Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland Any Indoor Outdoor Any Indoor Outdoor 2.4 2.4 2.
4 Configuring Radio Settings Admin State Configuration Use the Admin State tab (Figure 43) to assign the mode or persona of each radio interface. Figure 43: Radio Configuration - Admin State Set the following parameters on this tab: 66 Feature Description Select Radio Interface Select the AP radio (wlan0 or wlan1). Current Operation State Displays the current operational state of the radio. Admin State of Selected Radio Enable or disable the selected radio.
Configuring Radio Parameters NOTE: Each access point can have at most one BP radio. Click Apply to save changes or Reset to return to previously saved values. Admin State Interdependencies If Network Connectivity on the Radio Global tab (“Global Configuration” on page 61) is set to Wireless, then at least one radio must have the BP or Any persona. If the Network Connectivity setting is Wired or Any, then the personas of AP, BP, and Any are all permitted.
4 Configuring Radio Settings Channel Configuration Use the Channel Configuration tab (Figure 44) to define rules for selecting radio channels. If two radios are installed in the same AP, each radio operates in a different band (2.4GHz for one radio and 5GHz for the other).
Configuring Radio Parameters Feature (continued) Description Automatic channel selection Specify whether the channel is chosen when the AP is started, or whether it is selected periodically. The time range for periodic channel selection is 30 minutes to 24 hours (1440 minutes). It is recommended that you accept the default setting of automatic channel selection of periodic at 30 minutes. Channel Set Determine which channels the AP scans in order to determine the best channel for operation.
4 Configuring Radio Settings Performance and QoS Use the Performance and QoS tab (Figure 45) to configure enhanced, True MIMO™ data rates of 72, 96, or 108 Mbps. Figure 45: Radio Configuration - Performance Set the following values on this tab: 70 Feature Description Select Radio Interface Select the AP radio (wlan0 or wlan1).
Configuring Radio Parameters Feature (continued) Description Wireless Quality of Service (QoS) Select whether to enable wireless quality of service standards, and click Apply to save the settings. Click Reset to return to previously saved values. • Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) QoS: Enables or disables the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) mechanism in the MAC layer.
4 Configuring Radio Settings Interdependencies The following restrictions apply to combinations of settings on the Channel Configuration and Performance and QoS tabs: Item Condition Fixed data rate configurations • If the configured channel is in the 5GHz band or the Channel Set Band/List is 5GHz, System Determined, or Both, then at least one of the fixed rates must be other than an 11b rate (1,2,5.5,or 11). • If the configured channel is in the 2.4GHz band or the Channel Set Band/List is 2.
Configuring Radio Parameters Admission Use the Admission tab (Figure 46) to specify categories of client stations permitted to associate to the selected radio. Figure 46: Radio Configuration - Admission Set the following values on this tab: Feature Description Select Radio Interface Select the AP radio (wlan0 or wlan1). 802.11b-g STA Admission Criteria Accept Association from Applies to the 2.4GHz band only. Specify the type of 802.11g-or 802.11b and g client stations permitted to associate.
4 Configuring Radio Settings Setting the Advanced Radio Configuration Select Advanced Configuration from the Wireless Services menu to open the Advanced Configuration feature panel. The panel contains the following tabs: • 802.11 Policy — Set the 802.11 modes for the AP radios. • MAC Configuration —Set details of the radio beacon and MAC configuration for each radio. To configure settings on these tabs, select each in sequence, or step through the tabs using the Go links at the bottom of the panel. 802.
Setting the Advanced Radio Configuration Feature (continued) Description IEEE 802.11 Extensions Enable 802.11 Standard Extensions to turn on support for 802.11e-h-i-g modes. Select 802.11 Enhanced Extensions to support higher data rates between the AP and compatible stations. If the Enhanced option is selected, then it is possible to enable the following through the command line interface (they are not automatically enabled). • Enhanced rate set (specific flag needs to be set). • Proprietary burst ack.
4 Configuring Radio Settings MAC Configuration Use the MAC Configuration tab (Figure 48) under special circumstances if it is necessary to tune low level operational parameters of the radio Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. NOTE: Changes on the MAC Configuration tab should only be made by trained network personnel. The AP radio restarts automatically when these parameter changes are applied.
Viewing Radio Statistics Set the following parameters on the MAC Configuration tab: Field Description Select Radio Interface Select the AP radio (wlan0 or wlan1). Beacon Period Enter the desired interval between RF beacons in milliseconds. It is recommended that you accept the default of 100 ms. (required). DTIM (delivery traffic indication message) Period Enter the frequency, in beacon periods, at which the radio forwards multicast and broadcast packets to client stations.
